Rotary Club of Butler PM members pose for a photo at their 100-plus-one-year anniversary celebration Friday.

Throughout 2020, the Rotary Club of Butler PM took part in multiple initiatives meant to aid people through the coronavirus pandemic.

The Rotary motto of “service above self” was, perhaps, most evident throughout last year because instead of celebrating the club's 100th anniversary with an event or dinner, Butler's members were taking part in community drives and food giveaways.

“It's inspiring when you look back at what has been accomplished,” said Tom Edwards, president of the club. “It's encouraging to see that this club dealt with social issues, especially last year.”

On Friday evening, the club celebrated its 100th anniversary plus one, with a dinner event at the Atrium. Rotary members from inside and outside Butler County attended to commemorate the milestone and congratulate its members on a century of service.

“It's a huge milestone in Rotary,” said Rick Tote, district governor of Rotary District 7280. “It's a rich tradition of people serving.”

In addition to celebrating the occasion, the club inducted two new members, Al Vavro and Ellen Romett. The club also presented Brian White, superintendent of Butler Area School District, with the Paul Harris Fellow award, which recognizes a person who has made a substantial contribution to a community's humanitarian and educational programs. It is named after the founder of the Rotary, Paul Harris.

The Rotary Club of Butler PM was chartered in 1920, just 15 years after the first Rotary club was charted in Chicago in 1905.Millie Pinkerton, a past president of the Rotary club, said she became part of it with her husband in the 1990s. When she got involved herself, she was impressed by the community's support of the club.“We are living our own special role,” Pinkerton said. “If you have a good cause, the people will get behind you.”Rotary member Denny Baglier also said the club has been integral in the community.“Everybody plays a part,” Baglier said. “It's great to be part of a tradition that has made a difference.”Despite putting off many club events for about a year, the club members still worked together to make an impact, according to Tote.“Rotary did a lot to bring people together,” Tote said. “There was a huge increase in food pantry services and deliveries that club members helped with.”